To consider the options and recommendations for the future development of public space CCTV in Central Bedfordshire.

That the Council invests in a new multi-functional CCTV control room at Priory House, or other appropriate location, procures new HD cameras utilising wireless technology to improve image quality and reduce signal transmission costs, whilst also offering other complimentary services to generate whole Council efficiencies and increase income.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that set out proposals for the future of the Council’s public space CCTV system.  The Council currently had 129 cameras operating and monitored from the control room in Watling House, Dunstable, with a further 19 cameras at Leighton Buzzard’s multi-story car park and 12 cameras monitored by Hertfordshire CCTV Partnership.  The infrastructure was at full capacity and key elements were nearing the end of their useful life and needed replacing. 

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Community Safety confirmed that CCTV was being considered for enforcing the use of bus lanes and HGV weight restrictions.

The Executive Member for Health moved an amendment to the recommendation, which was duly seconded, to include the wording ‘or other appropriate location’ after the words ‘Priory House’.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to invest in a modern multi-functional CCTV control room to identify disorder and criminality, as well as provide evidence to support prosecution.  The scheme would also support the Council’s response to safeguarding, general public safety and emergency incidents in the locations where it operated.

RESOLVED

that the Council invests in a new multi-functional CCTV control room at Priory House, or other appropriate location, procures new HD cameras utilising wireless technology to improve image quality and reduce signal transmission costs, whilst also offering other complimentary services to generate whole Council efficiencies and increase income.

The report sets out proposals and recommendations for the future of Central Bedfordshire Councils public space CCTV system.

The Community Safety Operations Manager delivered a report which provided details of the current arrangements regarding CCTV operations across Central Bedfordshire, with the current systems nearing their end of life. A recent consultation had supported conclusions set out within the report and Members were appraised of the available options, the costs, benefits and revenue generation projections. The Council and partners recognised the value of CCTV in detecting and minimising crime and there was wide public support for its use.

In light of the report Members discussed the following in summary:-

·           Concerns regarding the lack of match funding for the provision from the police.

·           Neighbouring and other local authority’s approach to bus lane and HGV enforcement.

·           That the location of cameras was evidence based and placed in known hotspots, however rural areas and those with low crime statistics could request a deployable camera at a cost.

·           The need to demonstrate that statutory duties with regards to public safety were met in the eventuality that CCTV was decommissioned.

·           That the directorate further explore the options around the location of the CCTV control room, taking into account the uncertainty around the future use of Council assets and include a scored assessment within the final report to the Executive laying out the benefits of the proposed location.

·           That the directorate ensure the maximum use of commercial recovery on the new system.

RECOMMENDED that the Council invests in a new multi-functional CCTV control room at Priory House, procures new HD cameras utilising wireless technology to improve image quality and reduce signal transmission costs, whilst also offering other complimentary services to generate whole Council efficiencies and increase income.

Cllr Morris abstained.